Barbara K’s review of The Fraud > Likes and Comments

How I understand, Barbara - sometimes it's just either "this was fantastic" or a lengthy review. No in between. I'm happy this was one of those for you because it's only the best books that put us in this predicament!

Oh, and phenomenal review as well. I adored Janina so that makes me especially curious about this book and this character.

I’ve not heard of the Tichborne case and this in itself would be interesting.

Jenna wrote: "How I understand, Barbara - sometimes it's just either "this was fantastic" or a lengthy review. No in between. I'm happy this was one of those for you because it's only the best books that put us in this predicament!

Oh, and phenomenal review as well. I adored Janina so that makes me especially curious about this book and this character. ..."

Thanks, Jenna. I think you would like Eliza. :-)

Judith wrote: "I’ve not heard of the Tichborne case and this in itself would be interesting."

Smith’s story by its nature involves goes into a great deal of detail about the case. I had come across the bare bones of it previously, but I knew nothing about the very real social and political responses.

I absolutely loved your review, Barbara. I have this one on hold. I, like you, have not read Smith but have wanted to for a while. The clincher in your review, for me anyway, was comparing Eliza to Mrs. Duscejko. I loved that Tokarczyk character and felt many reviewers didn't quite understand her. Thanks for the fine review.

Barbara wrote: "I absolutely loved your review, Barbara. I have this one on hold. I, like you, have not read Smith but have wanted to for a while. The clincher in your review, for me anyway, was comparing Eliza to to Mrs. Duscejko. I loved that Tokarczyk character and felt many reviewers didn't quite understand her. Thanks for the fine review….

Thank you, Barbara. Eliza is intelligent and observant, introspective and intense. A lot to like.

What a review! If I could describe Smith's prose with one word it would probably be 'dense'. (Very much in the good way).

Barbara, I've got this one on the docket for later this year so will come back and read your review after I read it. I'm thrilled to see your 5 Stars.

Fantastic review, Barbara! You have me eager to read this book. I haven’t read Zadie Smith yet as well. Sounds like an interesting book to start with.

If I hadn't already planned to read this, then your statement that Smith has joined the ranks of writers like Tokarczuk on your list would have me adding it immediately. The story sounds super compelling and I'm eager to finally sample that prose I've heard so much about.

An outstanding review, Barbara!

I haven't read Zadie Smith either, but your last quote on top of your excellent review has me looking for this one.

I read this book and didn't care for it -- this may seem like a silly thought, but I wonder whether listening to vs. reading it may a difference? I listened to it on Audible, and while I loved the narration, especially at the beginning as we started getting to know everyone, about a third of the way in I started getting lost. Did anyone else listen to it and have a different experience? Trying to look for a reason other than "it's me -- I'm the problem, it's me." :)

Smashing review, Barbara, I am adding this to my to read shelf.

Terrific review – I can’t wait to read this.

A great review and I’m pleased that I had already added my name to the library waitlist for this. I’ve enjoyed the couple of her books that I’ve previously read and I think I’ve also read a few of her essays.

Left Coast Justin wrote: "What a review! If I could describe Smith's prose with one word it would probably be 'dense'. (Very much in the good way)."

Thanks, Justin.

Antoinette wrote: "Fantastic review, Barbara! You have me eager to read this book. I haven’t read Zadie Smith yet as well. Sounds like an interesting book to start with."

Thanks, Antoinette. It’s a unique book for sure.

Candi wrote: "If I hadn't already planned to read this, then your statement that Smith has joined the ranks of writers like Tokarczuk on your list would have me adding it immediately. The story sounds super compelling and I'm eager to finally sample that prose I've heard so much about.

An outstanding review, Barbara! ..."

Thanks, Candi! Between what Smith has to say and her distinctive voice, this is a very special book.

Diane wrote: "I haven't read Zadie Smith either, but your last quote on top of your excellent review has me looking for this one."

Thanks, Diane. I hope you enjoy it.

Elizabeth wrote: "I read this book and didn't care for it -- this may seem like a silly thought, but I wonder whether listening to vs. reading it may a difference? I listened to it on Audible, and while I loved the narration, especially at the beginning as we started getting to know everyone, about a third of the way in I started getting lost. Did anyone else listen to it and have a different experience? Trying to look for a reason other than "it's me -- I'm the problem, it's me." he ..."

I listened as well, Elizabeth, and I can understand why you might become confused. What I found helpful was that the chapter headings often included the year of the activity. Every now and then I found myself looking at the screen on my phone or my car to double check the year. That helped keep the confusion at bay.

One interesting thing about the narration. Zadie Smith does the reading herself, and in the interview I listened to, she mentioned that she was wearing some kind of braces on her teeth which created the small lisp you hear from time to time.

Allison wrote: "Smashing review, Barbara, I am adding this to my to read shelf."

Thanks, Allison!

Lisa (NY) wrote: "Terrific review – I can’t wait to read this."

Thanks Lisa!

Tundra wrote: "A great review and I’m pleased that I had already added my name to the library waitlist for this. I’ve enjoyed the couple of her books that I’ve previously read and I think I’ve also read a few of her essays..."

Thanks, Tundra. I just came across a book of her essays on sale and snapped it up. :-)

A well done, informative review, Barbara. Looks like I will need to read this author.

Paula wrote: "A well done, informative review, Barbara. Looks like I will need to read this author."

Thanks, Paula. I think you'd find it time well spent. :-)

Barbara K. wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "I read this book and didn't care for it -- this may seem like a silly thought, but I wonder whether listening to vs. reading it may a difference? I listened to it on Audible, and ..."

Super helpful, Barbara, thank you! We're discussing it at our book club this weekend, so hopefully folks can elucidate what they appreciated about it, too. Definitely an author whose other work I'd like to check out!

Barbara, I appreciate your review. Like you, I am impressed with the ideas in this novel. You didn't seem to have the problem I did with my inability to become enmeshed in the story. I am still thrilled that this was a 5 Star read for you.

Lisa wrote: "Barbara, I appreciate your review. Like you, I am impressed with the ideas in this novel. You didn't seem to have the problem I did with my inability to become enmeshed in the story. I am still thrilled that this was a 5 Star read for you..."

Thanks, Lisa. No matter how much reading tastes overlap, there are always going to be books that work for one person and not another. It's a good thing there are so many of them!

I love how well you covered the many layers of this wonderful book, Barbara. I so agree with your love of Eliza and Mrs. Duszejko. Both so honest, witty, and bright, and both not understood by those around them.

Glad you loved this one, Barbara! Terrific review :)

Barbara wrote: "I love how well you covered the many layers of this wonderful book, Barbara. I so agree with your love of Eliza and Mrs. Duszejko. Both so honest, witty, and bright, and both not understood by those around them..."

That’s it exactly! They are the not-understood who deserve to be cherished on some level.

Jen CANADA wrote: "Glad you loved this one, Barbara! Terrific review :)"

Thanks, Jen!

I have this on hold and hope to get to it soon. I've read much of Smith's early works but not so much lately but I know she can really write. thanks for a really great review.